LEARN PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS

Introduction:

Problem Solving Skills is an important skill for both individuals and an organization. In this article let’s learn the art of Problem solving skills with creative techniques.

What is Problem Solving?

Problem solving is the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution; and also implementing a solution.

What is a Problem?

Doubt
Uncertainty
Undesired situation
Challenges
Opportunities/Challenge

What is a Creative Problem Solving?

Involves creativity in solving problem

Structural approach
Innovative Solutions
Improve a situation

Problem Solving Quotes

“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.”
-Duke Ellington

“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”
– Albert Einstein

“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.”
– Albert Einstein

“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.”
– John Dewey

Problem Solving Skills:

Problem-solving skills help you determine why an issue is happening and how to resolve that issue.

Why is problem-solving skills important?

Problem-solving is important both to individuals and organizations. It is an essential skill for managers and all senior level roles.
Those with good problem-solving skills are a valuable and trusted asset in any team – these are the people who think of new ideas, better ways of doing things, make it easier for people to understand things or help save customers time and also money.
Problem solvers can observe, judge, and act quickly when difficulties arise when they inevitably do.

Problem Solving Examples:

Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and also bookkeeping, etc.

Problem Solving Techniques

Steps in Creative problem-solving process

Information Gathering
Problem Definition
Possible solutions
Analyzing Possible solutions
Selecting the best solutions
Finally Next course of action (Implementing)

Problem Solving Method

STEP 1: Information Gathering

Understanding types of information

Fact
Assumption
Concept
Opinion
Procedure
Process

Identifying key questions: Who, Why, What, Which, Where?

Methods of gathering information:

Interviews
Statistics
Questionnaires
Observations

STEP 2: Problem Definition:

Defining the problem
Where the problem originated
Present state and the desired state
Stating and restarting the problem
Analyzing the problem

Defining the present state and also desired state

Write a statement
Concrete details
Does not contain causes
Does not contain solutions

Stating & restating the problem

Emphasize different words
Replace a word in the statement
Remove opinionated words
Draw a picture of the problem

Analyzing the problem

What – Where -When
Magnitude of the problem
Writing problem statement

Brainstorming:

Brainstorming Meaning

Group discussion to produce ideas or solve problems

What is Brainstorming?

Brainstorming is a method of generating ideas and sharing knowledge to solve a particular commercial or technical problem

Preparing for Brainstorming

Identifying mental blocks:

Emotions
Distractions
Assumptions
Culture
Communication difficulties

Removing mental blocks:

Attitude adjustments
Emotional blocks
Break the rules
Imagination and feelings
Encourage creativity

Stimulating Creativity:

Change your perspective
Go outside
Breathe deeply
Meditate
Use a journal

Brainstorming Examples:

Brainstorming in Healthcare:

Medical Practitioners and Healthcare organizations heavily use charts, infographics, brainstorm, and mind mapping diagrams to convey essential information and guidelines for awareness or exchanging creative concepts. This template about Vitamin Deficiency Diseases can be easy to project for general people than an NCBI report, isn’t it!

Brainstorming for Students

Brainstorming makes it easier to solve problems and generate ideas. Students and professionals use this method to logically organize information and create a framework for writing, making reports, comparing ideas and also presentations. Brainstorming examples for students improve their reading/writing skills and help them develop critical thinking. It helps students generate and organize their ideas to solve their problems creatively. Students from primary to high schools can use these templates for brainstorming.

STEP 3: Generating Solutions

Generate

As many as possible ideas
Defer judgement
Wildest ideas (Crazy ideas)
Piggybacking (Use early ideas & alternative)

Brain writing & Mind Mapping

Brain Writing:

It is done along with others
In silence
Draw Nine squares
Fill square with ideas

Mind Mapping:

It is done alone
Write one Idea in the Center of paper
List ideas around the main idea

Dunker Diagrams: It is method of refining problem

Generate solution
Functional solution
Specific solution

The Six thinking hats:

White hat – Facts & information
Yellow hat – Positive judgement
Black hat- Critical judgement
Green hat – The Big picture
Red hat – Feelings & emotions

The blink method:

Information overload
Limited information can work
Unconscious thought

STEP 4: Analyzing Solution

Developing criteria:

Timing – Is the problem urgent?

Ask questions

Trend – What direction is the problem heading?

Impact – Is the problem serious?

Analyzing Wants needs:

Must be clear
Score each item
Order of preference

Using Cost/Benefit analysis: (For example replacing man with machine)

Include all benefits
Include all costs
Uncover hidden cost & benefits

STEP 5: Selecting a Solution:

Doing a final analysis

Each potential solution – Advantage & Disadvantage
Short &Long term

Paired comparison analysis: Ranking solution & top one is selected

Analyzing potential problems

Think forward
Brainstorm
Evaluate
Be flexible

STEP 6: Planning your next step:

Identifying tasks
Identifying resources. Resources – Time, Personnel, Equipment’s, Money, Information
Implementing, Evaluating & Adapting

Leaders may be called upon to direct others to implement the solution, “sell” the solution, or facilitate the implementation with the help of others. Involving others in the implementation is an effective way to gain buy-in and support and also minimize resistance to subsequent changes.

Regardless of how the solution is rolled out, feedback channels should be built into the implementation. This allows for continuous monitoring and testing of actual events against expectations. Problem solving, and the techniques used to gain clarity, are most effective if the solution remains in place and is updated to respond to future changes.

Recording Lessons learned: Invite key members for meeting

Planning the follow up meeting

Have an agenda – Invite all key members
Meeting arrangements – Location & time

Celebrating Success:

Recognize each person
Celebrate what went well

The 8D Problem Solving:

8D problem solving process is a detailed, team oriented approach to solving critical problems in the production process. The goals of this method are to find the root cause of a problem, develop containment actions to protect customers and also take corrective action to prevent similar problems in the future.
The eight disciplines (8D) model approach typically employed by quality engineers or other professionals, and is most commonly used by the automotive industry but has also been successfully applied in healthcare, retail, finance, government, and manufacturing.

Problem Solving in Math

What is problem solving in math?

The importance of problem-solving in learning mathematics comes from the belief that mathematics is primarily about reasoning, not memorization.

Problem-solving allows students to develop understanding and explain the processes used to arrive at solutions, rather than remembering and applying a set of procedures.

It is through problem-solving that students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, become more engaged, and appreciate the relevance and usefulness of mathematics (Wu and Zhang 2006). Problem-solving in mathematics supports the development of:

The ability to think creatively, critically, and logically
The ability to structure and organize
The ability to process information
Enjoyment of an intellectual challenge
The skills to solve problems that help them to investigate and also understand the world

What are the steps of problem solving in math?

Four Stages of Problem Solving

Understand and explore the problem.
Find a strategy.
Use the strategy to solve the problem.
Look back and reflect on the solution.

What is the main task of a problem solving agent?

Problem-solving agent in Artificial Intelligence is goal-based agents that focus on goals, is one embodiment of a group of algorithms, and techniques to solve a well-defined problem in the area of Artificial Intelligence

Conclusion:

Thus, by following and practicing the above techniques anybody can develop Problem Solving Skills

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